Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-09-22

Struggling his shoulders carelessly; and
a whispered conversation ensued, which
was only checked by the entrance of
the minister; whereat Joe, duly admon-
ished by poke of his sisters fan, and
a glance of mild rebuke from the dea-
con, subsidized into a temporary atten-
ton, with his hands being plunged
deeply into his pockets and his eyes
fixed steadfastly upon good Mr.. Allen.
But, 1 am sorry to say, Joe's thoughts
were by no means in keeping with the
place. He was cherishing, and even
planning, dire revenge on uncon-
scious Samantha Nason-who sat di-
rectly in front of him, in Miss Smiths
pew-for what he called her ''tattling"
of the previous day.
The service proceeded in the gooo
old-fashioned way peculiar to country
churches. = All denominations wor-
shipped T<1pe2er the same roof, and Mr..
Aliens words were but a plain and
simple talk about the lessons taught by
One who once walked upon earth, and
spake as never man spake. There was
very much in it that Tad perfectly I'M
derstood, and, as he listened, dim de-
sire to fashion his young life after the
teachings of the great Master began to
take form in his mind. True, it was
only embodied in the simple thought,
''I'll try to be better boy" yet from
such beginnings oftentimes comes the
real success of a true Christian life.
And when the sermon closed Tad felt
that ne should never be tired of listen
ing to a minister who made things as
plain as did Mr.. Allen.
Now, it was Samantha Nason's inva-
riable habit to sit through the singing,
while the others rose. II work hard
all the week, and I'm going to make
Sunday my day of rest" said Saman-
tina once, a little defiantly, IAN 1 guess
[ can worship the Lord as well settin'
down as standin' up"
AS the closing hymn was being sung,
Tad noticed that Joe, who all through
the service had kept his right hand
persistently in his pocket, slowly with
drew it, though without removing his
eyes from the pages of the hymn-book,
and, seemingly holding something in
his grasp, slipped his closed hand gently
along on the ledge of the pew before
him, till it was in close proximity to
the back of Miss Nason's neck. Then
he stole a sly glance in the direction of
his father and mother, who were too
intent upon following the words of the
hymn lin which their daughter Nellie's
voice uprose as clear and sweet as the
notes of a woodland bird) to notice the
movements of their son. Slowly Joe's
fingers Enclosed, and after moment
his hand stole back to a place beside its
fellow.
"Now what is he up tor thought
Tad, warned by the shadowy grin on
Joe's features. And, following the
direction of his friends eyes, Tad's I'M
spoken question was answered. Clumsi-
ly clambering over the back of the
prim ruffle about Miss Nason's neck
was brown wood-beetle, as big as
the end of Tad's little finger. But be-
fore he could decide what to do Miss
Mason bounced to her feet with Il stified
exclamation, and clutched frantically
at her back hair. Unfortunately she
caught hold of the innocent beetle it.
self, and. giving vent to shrill
scream that made the rafters of the
house ring, she threw it violently from
her, to the great CONSERVATION of
every one in the house, many of whom
imagined Miss Mason had discovered Il
mouse in the pew.
Mr.. Allen pronounced the benedic-
ton and dismissed his congregation.
And naughty Joe Whitney. holding his
cap before his face, chokcd and gasped,
in the agonies of suppressed laughter.
all the way to door.